School bulletin: Merryhill kids have a "Field Day"

Courtesy of Erica PerryMerryhill School first grader Ryan Gardner prepares to battle his opponent in the sumo smackdown during Field Day at Hillsborough Park in Roseville on May 18.

Courtesy of Erica PerryMerryhill School?s Team Triple Threat competes in the tug-o-war competition during Field Day at Hillsborough Park in Roseville on May 18.

Courtesy of Erica PerryMerryhill School?s Team Turbo does the grass crawl to win spirit points during Field Day at Hillsborough Park in Roseville on May 18.

Merryhill kids have 'Field Day'

Merryhill School students were treated to a Field Day at Hillsborough Park in Roseville on May 18. The kids, in kindergarten through fifth grade, participated in activities such as tug-o-war, chicken toss and sumo smackdown during the annual event held to promote teamwork and fun.

Mad Science camps

Mad Science Camps will take place this summer for children ages 6 to 12. Campers learn how to build a bridge, solve a mystery, build a model rocket or combine chemicals. The program takes place June 18 to 22 at Granite Bay High School, and July 9 to 13, and July 30 to Aug. 3 at Woodcreek High School in Roseville. To register, visit www.madscience.org/sacramento or call (916) 779-0390.

Theater arts programs on decline

A U.S. Department of Education study released in May found schools are investing less in theater arts programs. The report found a 16 percent drop in public elementary school instruction for drama/theater over the past 10 years, and a 3 percent drop in secondary schools. Lower-income children are 28 percent less likely to have access to theater arts instruction in school.

"Youth who participate in school drama and theater arts programs score better on standardized tests and achieve higher graduation rates," said American Alliance for Theatre and Education Executive Director Marcie Granahan, in a news release. "It is a travesty that the children in most need of these programs are losing access."